Do Sugary Soft Drinks Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones?

You have probably heard that drinking a lot of fluids is one of the best ways to avert kidney stones. However, a recent study brings in to question if the type of beverages we drink makes a difference.

The researchers analyzed data from 194,095 adults over an eight-year time period. All of the participants had never had kidney stones and most were middle-aged. The study showed that the people who drank the most sugary beverages were the most likely to develop kidney stones. In fact, the participants who drank one or more sugar-sweetened colas per day were 23% more likely to have kidney stones than those who just drank them once a week. The risk was 33% higher for those who drank sugar-sweetened clear, non-cola sodas once a day versus once a week.

On the other hand, the study also showed a lowered risk for kidney stones when consuming certain other beverages once a day in comparison to once a week. These included both caffeinated and decaf coffee, tea, and orange juice.

So while getting plenty of fluids aids in the prevention of kidney stones, it is all about the beverage choice.

Source: Ferraro P, Taylor E, Gambaro G, Curhan G. Soda and other beverages and the risk of kidney stones. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Published on May 15, 2013 as doi: 10.2215/CJN.11661112 [end]